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Couching and variations
by Jan Beaney
Photos by Michael Cole

• Couching is a useful, versatile and easy stitch.
• The main couching stitch uses two threads and two needles. A thicker thread is positioned or 'laid' on top of the fabric and the thinner thread is stitched over it to hold it in place.
• Remember to keep the main thread fairly taut as you stitch it in order to ensure a firm line.
• To start, the thicker thread is brought through to the front of the fabric, leaving a short end at the back to be fastened off. This is held in place at the back by tiny oversewing stitches using the finer thread.
• To fasten off, the main thread is taken through to the back of the fabric and fastened in place by oversewing with the finer thread before trimming away any excess.
• Couching is often known as the 'drawing' stitch as it can be used as a line to 'draw' a design, giving a good framework for other textural effects.
• The finer thread used for oversewing usually matches or tones with the colour of the main yarn to be stitched in place, especially if the couching is the 'drawing' of the embroidery and it will be combined with other effects. However, for a more decorative effect, contrasting colours and threads can be used.
• The oversewing stitches with the fine thread are usually evenly spaced over the laid thread and at right-angles to it. Closer stitches can be worked if intricate curves or sharp angles need to be created.
• Lines of couching placed close together can create a very effective solid filling.
• Smooth, thick threads or fabric strips can be eased through a fabric by first piercing the cloth with a stiletto or the point of scissors or by using a large bodkin or needle such as a chenille No.14.
• Heavily textured yarns, cords or fabric strips can just be placed on top of the material and the ends eased through to the back in order to fasten on and off with the finer thread. Pulling the whole length of a textured yarn through the fabric could be difficult and would possibly damage the yarn or distort the background cloth.

Couching stitches

Conventional couching offers an array of interesting effects, but Romanian couching is a useful and inspiring variation. Only one thread and needle is used, which means that it is not suitable for intricate, curvy designs. It can, however, be worked as long or short lines and as a filling stitch. Also, if the first straight stitch is left a little slack, soft curves can be achieved. To work Romanian couching, a straight stitch is made across the ground material and the needle and thread re-emerge to stitch the long thread down on the return journey (see diagram). The oversewing stitches are long, and placed close to the main yarn. A similar stitch called Bokhara couching is also worked with one thread and needle, and begins with a straight stitch worked in the same way, but on the return journey small, slanting stitches are worked over the laid thread or yarn to hold it in place.

This sample was inspired by a rock surface. The background fabric has been bonded with glistening materials. The textured surface is created with heavy couched threads and cords which give a ridged surface. The holding-down stitches have been placed close together and feature much more strongly than usual, in order to achieve the required effect. Straight stitches worked in a fine metallic thread have been worked over parts of the design to draw it together. See more...

This sample shows heart-shaped leaves placed fairly close together to make an all-over pattern. The main shapes have been couched in the usual way using two threads and two needles. Some of the filling stitches are worked in Romanian couching.

This little apple is worked in several threads, each couched in place by toning sewing cotton. Tiny running stitches add textural interest.

Stitches layered one on top of another with sections wrapped with other threads. Matt threads, including paper string, have been used. To achieve the curvy effect the initial straight stitches were left slack to enable the curves to be stitched in position.

A silk thread and a torn fabric strip being sewn into place with appropriate yarns. Although the overstitching has been placed at regular intervals, longer, haphazard or contrasting coloured stitches can be worked to create a variety of effects.

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